SOCIOLOGY

HOW WOULD A VISITOR FROM SUBURBAN

AMERICA FEEL ON THIS CROWDED TOKYO
TRAIN?
In this example of commuting, culture consists of thoughts
(expectations about personal space, for
example) and tangible things (bus stops, trains, and seating
capacity). Material culture refers to the
objects or belongings of a group of people. Metro passes and
bus tokens are part of material culture, as
are automobiles, stores, and the physical structures where
people worship. Nonmaterial culture, in
contrast, consists of the ideas, attitudes, and beliefs of a society.
Material and nonmaterial aspects of
culture are linked, and physical objects often symbolize cultural
ideas.
A metro pass is a material object, but it represents a form of
nonmaterial culture, namely, capitalism, and the acceptance of
paying for transportation. Clothing, hairstyles, and jewelry are
part of material culture, but the appropriateness of wearing
certain clothing for specific events reflects nonmaterial culture. A
school building belongs to material culture, but the teaching
methods and educational standards are part of education’s
nonmaterial culture. These material and nonmaterial aspects of
culture can vary subtly from region to region. As people travel
farther afield, moving from different regions to entirely different
parts of the world, certain material and nonmaterial aspects of
culture become dramatically unfamiliar. What happens when we
encounter different cultures? As we interact with cultures other
than our own, we become more aware of the differences and
commonalities between others’ worlds and our own.
 CULTURAL UNIVERSALS
Often, a comparison of one culture to another will reveal
obvious differences. But all cultures also share
common elements. Cultural universals are patterns or traits that
are globally common to all societies.
One example of a cultural universal is the family unit: every
human society recognizes a family
structure that regulates sexual reproduction and the care of
children. Even so, how that family unit is
defined and how it functions vary.
LET’S WORK TOGETHER!
1) DO YOU AGREE THAT MUSIC IS A
CULTURAL UNIVERSAL? WHY? WHY
NOT?

2) CAN YOU MENTION ANY OTHER

CULTURAL UNIVERSAL?

3) LIST 2 ITEMS FROM YOUR OWN

MATERIAL CULTURE, AND 2 ITEMS FROM
YOUR NON-MATERIAL CULTURE.